Multi-axial variable height wind turbine

ABSTRACT

The present invention, a multi-axial variable height wind turbine, includes a wind turbine, a structural support, a tilting boom extending between said structural support and said wind turbine, a multiaxial drive mechanism extending upwardly from said structural support for receiving said tilting boom where the multiaxial drive mechanism operationally connects the tilting boom to the structural support for rotation along a plurality of axes. The tilting boom includes a counterweight system positioned opposite said wind turbine which includes a moveable mass which is moved along the tilting boom by a drive mechanism for movement of the wind turbine between a raised position and a lowered position. The wind turbine also includes a plurality of pitched blade members extending between an inner hub and an outer ring.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method forcapturing wind, in particular to a dynamically adjustable bi-directionalwind turbine and method for operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wind turbines have been around since the 7^(th) century when they wereused to grind grain or pump water. Modern horizontal axis wind turbinesare used to generate electricity and to supply electricity to theelectrical utility grid. It is estimated that there are hundreds ofthousands of large wind turbines installed worldwide and collectivelythey generate over 650 gigawatts of power. Wind turbines are also animportant source of renewable energy, and are used throughout the worldto provide electricity and reduce reliance carbon emissions. Based onsome industry research wind turbines provide the lowest relativegreenhouse gas emissions and the least water consumption compared tophotovoltaic, hydro, geothermal, coal and gas. Some modern horizontalaxis wind turbines are engineered to generate 2-3 MW of electricity andcost approximately $3-$4 million because of their size.

Wind speeds and direction vary based on the rotation of the earth, thelocal geography, the surrounding objects, the weather, air pressure andthe temperature. Ideally, it would best to have a high-speed constantair source which doesn't vary. However, air currents vary. Modern windturbines are designed to capture wind which is located several hundredfeet in the air. As a result of the location of these turbines, it isdangerous, difficult and costly to install, repair and work on typicalwind turbines.

Ideally, the wind turbine would be positioned where the most productwind is located. However, as previously indicated, the location of themost productive wind varies as a result of several factors includingrotation, weather and time of day. As a result, it would be beneficialto provide a wind turbine which is able to be moved towards the locationof the most productive wind.

Maintenance on large wind turbines can be expensive. In some cases, themaintenance includes servicing and repairing the blades, the controlsystem or the gear box. In addition, lighting and the weather can causedamage to the units. The need to transport maintenance personnel andsupplies up the mast can be very dangerous and it can take a significantamount of time. Annual maintenance costs for large horizontal windturbines can be in the tens of thousands of dollars and in some cases,it can exceed $100,000 per year.

In addition, typical wind turbines have three (3) rotor blades whichspan hundreds of feet in diameter, the blades extending from a centralshaft or hub. The large elongated blades begin to turn when wind speedsexceed 3.5 m/s and typically turn between 13 and 20 revolutions perminute. The rotation of the blades is controlled by reduction gear boxeswhich helps slow the rotation of the massive blades while generatingenergy. Because these blades are so massive, each blade must help offsetthe weight of the other surrounding blades and the slightestmisalignment or damage to one blade could be catastrophic to the windturbine. The sound caused by movement of these blades can be loud. Inaddition, because the rotor blades are so massive along with thereduction gear box and mast necessary to support the massive rotors, thecost for the typical wind turbine is in the millions of dollars. Itwould be beneficial to have a smaller wind turbine which allows the windblade section to move to the source of the most efficient wind energy oras otherwise desired.

Some wind turbines are currently designed to rotate in the direction ofthe oncoming wind using passive or active yaw systems. By rotating intothe wind, the current wind turbine design may increase the ability tocapture some wind. However, in some cases, the rotation of the windturbine into the wind assumes that the wind will be horizontal facing.In some cases, the wind currents are not limited to horizontal facingcurrents, but may include a vertical component as well. This isespecially true depending on the surrounding structures, geography ortopology. Rotating the wind turbine using a singular axis system may notbe as beneficial at capturing these varying wind currents using a multiaxial system.

Based in part on the foregoing challenges, there exists a need formulti-axial, variable height wind turbine which is adjustable to convertcaptured wind energy into electrical energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The need for the present invention is met, to a great extent, by thepresent invention wherein in one aspect a multi-axial variable heightwind turbine is provided that will move between a lowered position and araised position.

In one embodiment the invention includes a multi-axial variable heightwind turbine comprising a wind turbine, a structural support, a tiltingboom extending between said structural support and said wind turbine, amultiaxial drive mechanism extending upwardly from said structuralsupport for receiving said tilting boom whereby said multiaxial drivemechanism operationally connects said tilting boom to said structuralsupport for rotation along a plurality of axes, said tilting boomincluding a counterweight system positioned opposite said wind turbine,said counterweight system including a moveable mass which is moved alongthe tilting boom by a drive mechanism for movement of the wind turbinebetween a raised position and a lowered position; and said wind turbineincluding a plurality of pitched blade members extending between aninner hub and an outer ring.

Generally, the multi-axial, variable height wind turbine includes atilting boom mounted to a support structure which extends between a windturbine and a counterweight system which is configured for horizontaland vertical alignment of the wind turbine in response to measuredsensory data. The wind turbine further includes a turbine pitchcontroller configured for selective adjustment of the wind turbinepitch.

Certain embodiments of the invention are outlined above in order thatthe detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in orderthat the present contributes to the art may be better appreciated. Thereare, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will bedescribed below and which will form the subject matter of any claimsappended hereto.

In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments inaddition to those described and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein as well as the abstract are for the purposesof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that theconception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilizedas a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systemsfor carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It isimportant, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including suchequivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Though some features of theinvention may be claimed in dependency, each feature has merit when usedindependently.

Various objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration andexample, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings submittedherewith constitute a part of this specification, include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the present invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art to which the present invention relates from readingthe following description with reference to the accompanying drawings,in which a better understanding of the present invention is depicted, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of an exemplary embodiment of the multi-axial,variable height wind turbine in the operational orientation.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the exemplary embodiment of themulti-axial, variable height wind turbine of FIG. 1 rotating in theclockwise direction in response to wind currents coming from the front.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective of the exemplary embodiment of themulti-axial, variable height wind turbine of FIG. 1 rotating in thecounterclockwise direction in response to wind currents coming from therear.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the exemplary embodiment of themulti-axial, variable height wind turbine of FIG. 1 moving from theoperational orientation to a serviceable orientation.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a multiaxial drive mechanism extendingbetween a support structure and the tilting boom in accordance with theembodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary rear perspective of an embodiment of a tiltingboom supporting a bi-directional wind turbine operably connected to anexemplary horizontal drive mechanism which extends from one side of theillustrated tilting boom in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention depicted in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation of an embodiment of the tiltingboom associated with the multi-axial, variable height wind turbine ofFIG. 1 extending between an operational orientation and a serviceableorientation.

FIG. 8 is a close-up, cross-sectional elevation of an embodiment of acounterweight system associated with the tilting boom in accordance withthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 with the tilting boom extendingbetween the operational orientation and a serviceable orientation as thecounterweight system moves from a rear to a forward position.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the support structure depicted in FIG. 1with various sensors spaced about the support structure.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the bidirectional wind turbine movingangularly about an axis.

FIG. 11 is a system block diagram of a plurality of multi-axial, windturbines in networked communication with each other in accordance withanother embodiment of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are obviated, at leastin part, by the present multi axial variable height wind turbine 10which as depicted in FIG. 1 is supported by a structural support 20which is operationally connected to and provides the necessary supportfor supporting the tilting boom 30 during movement of a wind turbine 40having a plurality of rotary blades 47 extending radially from a centralhub 48 to a circumferential support 49. Rotation of a plurality ofrotary blades 47 reduces the noise caused by rotation of the windturbine 40 and provides for a quieter operation.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a nacelle 46 which extends between a distalend of the tilting boom 30 and the wind turbine 40. The nacelle 46 isgenerally a housing for housing the generator, heat generating devicesof various types, such as an inverter, a transformer, along with othermechanical to electrical components which are used to convert themechanical energy from the rotating wind turbine 40 to electrical energywhich can be stored or transmitted using generally known electricalcircuitry. The generator is generally attached near a distal end of thetilting boom 30, opposite the counterweight system 80. In addition, thenacelle 46 may optionally include various sensors 72 including a weatherand wind sensor or detector which obtains a measurement and transmitsdata associated with the measurement to a controller 70 in either awireless or wired manner. In general, the sensor 72 measures andtransmits sensor data. The controller may be housed in a control box 71which can be mounted within the nacelle 46 or another nearby or distantinternal or external location as desired.

A turbine pitch controller 55 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 9 and 10mounted alongside the nacelle 46. In the illustrated embodiment, theturbine pitch controller 55 is mounted to the distal end 31of thetilting boom 30 for selective engagement of the nacelle 46. In oneexemplary operational embodiment, the turbine pitch controller 55 may beconfigured for pivoted engagement of the nacelle 46 for selectiverotation 50 of the wind turbine 40 towards or away from a longitudinalaxis 63. Generally, the longitudinal axis 63, also referred to herein asroll axis, extends centrally through the vertically aligned wind turbine40. Selective adjustment of the turbine pitch controller 55 adjusts thepitch 52 of the wind turbine 40 from or towards a vertical orientation.Depending on the desired wind currents 51, selective adjustment to thepitch 52 of the wind turbine 40 may help align the wind turbine 40 forgreater wind capture efficiency or decrease the wind capture efficiency,as desired. In one operational embodiment, adjustment of the turbinepitch controller 55 in a direction normal to the oncoming wind currents51 a may increase the efficiency of the captured wind currents, whichmay improve the energy production efficiency of the multi axial variableheight wind turbine 10. In one embodiment, the turbine pitch controller55 may include a programmable, bidirectional, spring return actuatorwhich provides sufficient torque or power to rotate the angularalignment of the wind turbine 40 up to 45 degrees in either direction.In this way, the turbine pitch controller 55 may allow for forward orreversed pitch of the wind turbine 40 in response to measured sensordata corresponding to the direction of the oncoming wind current.

Generally, the tilting boom 30 and wind turbine 40 are smaller in sizethan a traditional 3-blade HAWT. For example, while the mast on a priorart 3-blade HAWT may be 250 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter, thetilting boom 30 may between 15-100 feet tall with a diameter of between1 to 10 feet. While the blades on the 3-blade HAWT may be up to 350 feetin diameter, the diameter of the wind turbine 40 can be between 25 feetup to 150 feet. Because of the reduced size and load the base requiredto support the multiaxial variable height wind turbine 10 is reducedfrom 50 feet in diameter to less than 30 feet in diameter.

A multiaxial drive mechanism 60 is illustrated in association with thetop of the support structure 20. Generally, the multiaxial drivemechanism 60 operationally connects the tilting boom 30 to thesupporting structure 20 while providing for rotation of the tilting boom30 along a plurality of axes. As illustrated in the embodiment depictedin FIG. 1 operation of the multiaxial drive mechanism 60 allows thetilting boom 30 to rotate along the vertical axis 61. The multiaxialdrive mechanism 60 generally includes an upwardly extending pair ofsupport members 60 a which are configured for receipt of the cylindricalstructure 66 which extends outwardly from the tilting boom 30. In thedepicted embodiment, the multiaxial drive mechanism 60 also allows forrotation of the tilting boom 30 about the lateral axis 62.

In the embodiment of the multiaxial drive mechanism 60 illustrated inFIG. 5 , an upwardly extending bracket 64 rotationally connects thetilting boom 30 to the supporting structure 20 with a pair of radialdrives 61 a, 62 a. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5 , a first radialdrive 61 a and a second radial drive 62 a adjust the altitude andazimuth of the wind turbine 40. The first radial drive 61 a connects thetilting boom 30 to the support structure 20 for azimuth 35 positioningof the wind turbine 40. Azimuth 35 positioning of the wind turbine 40 isaccomplished by rotating the first radial drive 61 a in either aclockwise or counterclockwise rotation for rotation of the boom point 30b about the vertical axis 61. Generally, the vertical axis 61 extendscentrally through the supporting structure 20. In one embodiment, thetilting boom 30 rotates +/−60 degrees.

The second radial drive 61 a rotationally connects the tilting boom 30to the upending bracket 64 for raising or lowering the altitude of thewind turbine 40. Rotation of the second radial drive 62 a, causesrotation 34 of the tilting boom 30 about the lateral axis 62. Ingeneral, the lateral axis 62 extends centrally through the upwardlydistal tabbed ends of the extending bracket 64. The first radial drive61 a provides for horizontal alignment of the wind turbine 40 as thetilting boom 30 rotates 35 laterally about the vertical axis 61. Thesecond radial drive 62 a provides for vertical alignment of the windturbine 40 as the tilting boom 30 rotates angularly about the lateralaxis 62. Together, the first radial drive 61 a and the second radialdrive 62 a provide multiaxial rotation to the tilting boom 30 foralignment of the wind turbine 40 with the desired wind currents.

The depicted embodiment of the first and second radial drive 61 a, 62 ain FIG. 5 are generally illustrated as slew radial drives but otherdrive mechanisms could be used such as an electric motor, manual crankmotor, gear drive, chain drive, belt drive, rope drive, winch, or winchdrive to provide multiaxial rotation of the tilting boom 30.Additionally, the first and second radial drive 61 a, 62 a may becombined into a single dual-axial drive.

In the depicted embodiment of the first and second radial drives 61 a,62 a each includes an upper ring 65 b 64 separated from a lower ring 65a by a cylindrical aligning structure 66. In operation, at least one ofthe upper and lower rings 65 b, 65 a operates as a slewing bearing andeach of the upper and lower rings 65 b, 65 a is rotatable relative tothe other. At least one of the upper and lower rings 65 b, 65 agenerally includes a plurality of engaging structures (not shown) whichare configured for engaged receipt by a tangential drive 68 configuredfor engaging the engaging structures. Rotation of the tangential drive68 causes rotation of the engaging structures which causes at least oneof the upper or lower rings 65 b, 65 a to rotate in the desireddirection.

The tilting boom 30 as depicted in FIG. 1 is an elongated rectangularsupport which includes at least a partially hollowed interior. Ingeneral, the hollowed interior has sufficient dimensions for housing thecounterweight system 80 and for movement therein. The tilting boom 30 isgenerally fabricated from a rigid material having sufficient strength tosupport the rotating wind turbine 40 and for housing the counterweightsystem 80 during operation. By way of example, the tilting boom 30 maybe fabricated from materials such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, etc.Generally, the tilting boom 30 is connected to the multiaxial drivemechanism 60 near the operational center of gravity based on the normaloperational characteristics of the rotating wind turbine 40.

The wind turbine 40 is illustrated with a plurality of rotary blades 47extending radially from a central hub 48 to an outer ring 42. The rotaryblades 47 are configured for presenting a blade sweep of sufficientshape to produce the desired power. In one embodiment, each of therotary blades 47 presents an elongated planar surface with a rectangularsurface which is configured for capturing oncoming wind currents. In oneembodiment, the rotary blades 47 are mechanically fixed to the centralhub 48 with an angular pitch of between 15 to 120 degrees.

Generally, a plurality of radial axes extend outwardly from the centralhub 48 to the outer ring 42 along each of the rotary blades 47. In oneembodiment, the rotary blades 47 are fixed to the central hub 48 with aneutral orientation while allowing for rotation from +/−15 degrees to+/−120 degrees vertically about the radial axes and horizontally fromthe wind axis (not shown) which extends parallel to the velocity vectorof the surrounding wind currents. Depending on the desired rotation ofthe wind turbine 40, the angular pitch of the rotary blades 47 may berotated towards or away from the wind axis. Generally, the wind turbine40 includes sufficient support for retaining the rotary blades 47 in thedesired position during operation of the wind turbine 40. In thedepicted embodiment, the wind turbine 40 includes the outer and an innerring 42, 41 which provide support for maintaining the spacing of therotary blades 47 as they extend radially from the central hub 48.

The inner ring 41 is generally configured for providing support to therotary blade 47 during rotation of the wind turbine 40 and is positionedalong the rotary blade 47 to provide additional support during rotation.In one embodiment, the inner ring 41 provides sufficient support tomaintain the position, spacing and/or pitch of the rotary blades 47 andto prevent deflection of the rotary blades 47 while adding stability tothe wind turbine 40 during rotation. In one embodiment, the inner ring41 provides sufficient structure to prevent undesired vibration to thewind turbine 40 which may be caused, for example, from the captured windcurrents. The outer ring 42 is generally configured for supporting thetip of the rotary blades 47 during rotation of the wind turbine 40.Additionally, the outer ring 42 can be configured to funnel additionalwind energy to the wind turbine 40.

In one embodiment, the counterweight system 80 is configured to offsetthe wind turbine 40 which includes the inner ring 41 and outer ring 42,rotary blades 47, central hub 48 and nacelle 46. In one embodiment, therotary blades 47 extend substantially continuously from the central hub48 to the outer ring 42. Alternatively, the wind turbine 40 may includean inner rotary blade 44 separate from an outer rotary blade 43 wherethe inner rotary blade 44 extends from the central hub 48 to the innerring 41 and the outer rotary blade extends from the inner ring 41 to theouter ring 42. In one embodiment each of the rotary blades 47 may beangularly fixed to the central hub 48 in the desired orientation forcapturing oncoming wind currents. In addition, the central hub 48provides for attachment of the wind turbine 40 to a power generator (notshown) also referred to herein as a generator generally associated withthe nacelle 46.

In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the rotary blades 47 maybe manually or automatically rotated with, for example, an angular bladecontroller (not shown). By rotating the rotary blades 47, the windturbine 40 can increase or decrease the wind capture efficiency asdesired for generating the desired energy output. In one embodiment, theangular blade controller (not shown) may be attached to at least one endof the rotary blades 47 allowing for angular rotation of the rotaryblades 47. The angular blade controllers may be configured for networkedcommunication to allow for synchronized rotation of each of the rotaryblades 47 or they may provide for independent rotation of the rotaryblades 47, as desired. In general, the angular blade controller willallow for customization of the wind capture efficiency by changing theangular alignment of the rotary blades 47 top the oncoming wind whichwill affect the rotation of the wind turbine 40. As depicted in FIG. 2 ,the wind turbine 40 generally rotates in a clock-wise direction inresponse to oncoming wind currents.

An alternative embodiment is depicted in FIG. 3 and illustrates the windturbine 40 rotating in a reverse 50 b or counter-clockwise direction inresponse to wind currents coming from either the front 51 a or the rear51 b. By allowing for rotation of the rotary blades 47 in both a forward50 a or reverse direction 50 b, the wind turbine 40 can produce energywhile rotating in both directions. To facilitate forward directionrotation, the rotary blades 47 can biased or rotated towards the desiredorientation for rotation in the desired direction. In one embodiment ofthe improved wind turbine 40, few mechanical parts are required foroperation thus there are fewer mechanical breakdowns and parts whichwear-out over time. In addition, by allowing for multi directionaloperation, the wind turbine 40 can rotate freely. In some situations, itcan be operated as a wind vane for a visual depiction of the directionof the oncoming wind currents.

Alternatively, the rotary blades 47 can be positioned in a neutralorientation and the wind turbine 40 can be positioned for rotation bythe captured wind currents. The desired rotation can be based on sensordata from sensors 72 and can be based on the desired energy output andthe direction of the oncoming wind currents. This can be doneprogrammatically or using various methodologies which are generallyknow. Generally, the rotary blades 47 can rotate 52 in either directionaway from the face of the wind turbine 40 allowing the rotary blades 47to be rotated towards or away from the oncoming wind current. Therotation 52 of the rotary blades 47 is generally configurable betweenthe entire spectrum of low wind speed applications and high wind speedapplications. For example, the wind turbine 40 can be configured forpeak power generation upon calculated or programmed alignment of thewind turbine 40 based on the measured oncoming wind currents. Generally,a wind axis extends centrally through the oncoming wind current. Thewind currents will present the necessary force for rotating the windturbine 40. In this way, the rotational speed of the wind turbine 40 andthe energy produced by the wind turbine 40 can be monitored andcontrolled.

FIG. 4 illustrates the multi axial variable height wind turbine 10 in araised 37 and lowered position 38. In general, the raised position 37 isassociated with an operational mode and the lowered position 38 beingassociated with a maintenance or service mode. For illustrationpurposes, a representative service vehicle is illustrated below the windturbine 40 in the lowered, service mode where a service technician caneasily access the wind turbine 40 for repairs and service as needed.Alternatively, for complex repairs or maintenance, the wind turbine 40can be removed from the tilted boom 30 and shipped or transported forrepair at a remote location. In the raised, operational mode the windturbine 30 is raised and directed towards the oncoming wind currents andthe tilting boom 30 is raised to the desired vertical orientation wherethe desired wind energy can be captured by the wind turbine 40 forgenerating electricity.

In the maintenance or service mode, the wind turbine 40 is positioned ina generally horizontal position facing the ground so that the servicepersonnel can perform work or maintenance at or near the ground 6 adistance from the support structure 20. In addition, if the multi-axialvariable height wind turbine 10 is in danger of high winds or otherinclement weather it may be commanded to go into a maintenance orservice mode with the wind turbine 40 placed into a horizontal positionand lowered towards the ground. In addition the wind turbine 40 may besecured into place to avoid any unnecessary rotation. In this way, thewind turbine 40 can be repaired or serviced without having to climbhundreds of feet into the air. Alternatively, the wind turbine 40 mayinclude a braking mechanism (not shown) for limiting or controlling therotation of the wind turbine 40. In addition, the wind turbine 40 mayinclude a wind diverter for diverting wind away from the wind turbine 40to protect the wind turbine 40, for example, during high windconditions.

In one illustrative operational embodiment when the home position isselected, the rotation of the wind turbine 40 is slowed through, forexample, a mechanical reduction in rotation by applying a frictionalforce, like a brake, to the wind turbine 40. After the rotational speedof the wind turbine 40 is sufficiently reduced the pitch of the windturbine 40 may be rotated towards a vertical orientation. Once the windturbine 40 is positioned in the desired vertical orientation, thecounterweight system 80 is operated for lowering the wind turbine 40.Once the wind turbine 40 is lowered to the desired height, themultiaxial drive mechanism 60 may be operated for rotating the windturbine 40 to the previously programmed home position.

In one illustrative operational embodiment when the operational positionis selected, the counterweight system 80 may be operated to raise thewind turbine 40 to the desired height. Once the wind turbine 40 reachesthe desired height, the multiaxial drive mechanism 60 may be operatedfor moving the tilting boom for alignment in the direction ofsurrounding wind currents. Once the tilting boom is in alignment withthe nearby wind currents, the wind turbine 40 can be positioned for thedesired energy production in response to the measured wind data based onthe neighboring wind currents as measured by sensors 72 and remotesensors 73 and based on various parameters programmed into the controlsystem.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the tilting boom 30 has a titling boomangular rotation 34 which extends between the raised 37, operationalmode and the lowered 38, service mode. The tilting boom 30 raises andlowers in response to the counterweight system 80 which is housed withinthe tilting boom 30. In the operational mode the counterweight system 80is in a retracted orientation. In the service mode the counterweightsystem 80 is in an extended, forward orientation. Generally, thecounterweight system 80 provides a counterweight structure or mass tobalance the weight of the wind turbine 40 in the raised, operationalmode during operation and the lower, service mode for service of thewind turbine 40.

In general, the counterweight system 80 includes a drive mechanism 81which provides communication between a linkage member 84 and a moveablemass 82. Generally, the drive mechanism 81 moves a moveable mass 82along a track 36 extending along the interior of the tilting boom 30.Alternatively, the moveable mass 82 may be a moveable fluid (not shown).In one embodiment, the counterweight system 80 includes additional drivemembers such as, but not limited to, a gear and/or pulley (not shown)which can help move the moveable mass 82 along the track 36. Themoveable mass 82 acts as an offsetting ballast to the wind turbine 40attached to the distal end 31 of the boom 30. When the moveable mass 82is moved linearly along the track 36, the center of gravity associatedwith the tilting boom 30 is shifted forward. As the mass 82 movesforward, the center of gravity of the tilting boom 30 is movedcorrespondingly along the track 36.

In one optional embodiment, the counterweight system 80 may include acounterweight controller for controlled operation of the drive mechanism81 for movement of the movable mass 82 along the track 6 for desiredoperation of the tilting boom 30. The counterweight controller can beconfigured for local or remote control and may include operation inresponse to a preprogrammed operation for operation of the tilting boom30 as desired for movement of the wind turbine 40 to the desiredposition.

Providing an adaptable multiaxial variable height wind turbine 10 incommunication with various sensors 72 allows for more efficientoperation, maintenance and protection while maximizing the energy outputof the wind turbine 40 based on the programmed parameters andcharacteristics at lower heights and lower wind speeds.

In addition, or in combination with a counterweight controller, acontrol system may be utilized for programmed and/or remote controlledoperations. For example, the pitch controller 55 may be configured withwired or wireless communication for controlling the pitch of the windturbine 40. Additionally or alternatively a remote controller may beoperationally connected to the first or second radial drive 61 a, 62 afor controlled or programmed operation of the tilting boom for movementof the wind turbine 40 to the desired position. The remote controllerconnected to the first or second radial drive 61 a, 62 a may beconfigured for forward or reverse rotation in order to position the windturbine 40 in the desired position. In addition, the remote controllercan be operationally connected to a variety of sensors to maximizeenergy production or to monitor the alignment of the wind turbine 40 asdesired for the desired energy output, whether it is maximized,minimized or somewhere in between. The control system may be housed inthe control box 71 and may include wired or wireless communication toone or more of the sensors 72 and remote sensors 73.

The proximate end 30 a of the tilting boom 30, also referred to hereinas a boom foot, is associated with the end of the tilting boom 30opposite the wind turbine 40. The distal end 30 b of the tilting boom30, also referred to herein as a boom point, is associated with the endof the titling boom 30 near the wind turbine 40.

Generally, the boom foot 30 a includes a counterweight housing section32 for housing the counterweight system 80 components like the drivemechanism 81. The illustrated embodiment of the counterweight housingsection 32 is generally rectangular, extending rearwardly from the boomfoot 30 a, having sufficient dimensions for the drive mechanism 81 andany associated drive components.

In some cases, lowering the vertical position of the supported windturbine 40 may cause some instability. In an optional embodimentillustrated in FIG. 9 , the counterweight housing section 32 can includemoveable elements for advancing the counterweight housing section 32rearwardly from the boom foot 30 a or frontwardly towards the boom point30 b. Extension of the counterweight housing section 32 allows the windturbine 40 to be arranged in a more horizontal orientation with themoment arm, through which the weight of the wind turbine 40 iseffectively transferred, providing additional offsetting characteristicsfor offsetting the supported load for desired vertical placement of thewind turbine 40. In addition, various sensors 72 are illustrated alongthe support structure 20. Some of the sensors 72 provide horizontalsensor data and vertical sensor data which may be associated withvarious wind and weather data which may be used to directionally alignthe wind turbine 40 towards the desired wind currents. A remote sensor73 is also illustrated which can be mounted a distance from the supportstructure for providing various ambient related data, like airtemperature, wind direction, wind forecast, wind speed data or variousambient and weather related data. In addition, the sensors 72, 73 caninclude various other sensors to capture various positional, vibration,production, speed, strain gauges, level, visual, audio or other data asdesired.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 , the moveable mass 82 is connectedto the drive mechanism 81 by the linking member 84, like a chain, cableor track and extends from the boom foot 30 a towards the boom point 30 bas desired for angular rotation of the tilting boom 30 to position thewind turbine 40 at the desired elevation. The drive mechanism 81 mayinclude a hydraulic or electric motor attached to the boom foot 30 a androtationally coupled to the linking member 84. In one embodiment, thelinking member 84 is designed for bidirectional movement, allowing forforward and rearward movement of the moveable mass 82 to readily elevatethe wind turbine 40 to the desired elevation. In addition, the drivemechanism 81 may be operationally controlled by an electronic drivecontroller (not shown) in wired or unwired communication with thecontroller. In communication with the controller (not shown), thecounterweight system 80 can be adjusted based upon a programmedoperation or in response to sensor data from at least one remote sensor72. The drive mechanism 81 may further include a geared rotationalmechanism (not shown) which allows for corresponding controlled movementof the linking member 84. In addition, the counterweight system 80 mayinclude a number of limiters (not shown) to limit movement of themoveable mass 82 and angular rotation of the tilting boom 30. Inaddition, an additional linking member sensor (not shown) may beutilized to allow for monitoring the status of the angular rotation ofthe tilting boom 30 and allow for manual or programmed angularadjustment, as desired.

Although other support structures may be used, the embodiment of theillustrated support structure 20 includes a lattice-type of structurewith longitudinally extending supports which are connected to oneanother by angularly oriented connection members alternating from angledvertical supports 22 such as the oblique 24 and transverse 26 connectionmembers illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment with a plurality ofmulti-axial variable height wind turbines 10 each being in networkedcommunication with each other for generating energy. In general, each ofthe wind turbines 10 are electrically connected to a central controlsystem within a computer center 90. As depicted, the wind turbines 10are in general electrical communication with each other for sharingvarious operational data and sensory data to generate more efficientenergy generation corresponding to various programmed features andcharacteristics in accordance with various programmed scenarios alongwith historical data and current sensor data as measured with aplurality of sensors 72 including some remote sensors 73 mounted atstrategic locations.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts described herein. Otherarrangements or embodiments, changes and modifications not precisely setforth, which can be practiced under the teachings of the presentinvention are to be understood as being included within the scope ofthis invention as set forth in the claims below.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent:
 1. Amulti-axial variable height wind turbine, comprising: a wind turbine; astructural support; a tilting boom extending between said structuralsupport and said wind turbine; a multiaxial drive mechanism extendingupwardly from said structural support for receiving said tilting boomwhereby said multiaxial drive mechanism operationally connects saidtilting boom to said structural support for rotation along a pluralityof axes; said tilting boom including a counterweight system positionedopposite said wind turbine; said counterweight system including amoveable mass which is moved along the tilting boom by a drive mechanismfor movement of the wind turbine between a raised position and a loweredposition; and said wind turbine including a plurality of pitched blademembers extending between an inner hub and an outer ring.
 2. Themulti-axial variable height wind turbine of claim 1 wherein saidmultiaxial drive mechanism further comprises a first drive and a seconddrive, said first drive configured for rotation along a first axis ofrotation and said second drive configured for rotation along a secondaxis of rotation.
 3. The multi-axial variable height wind turbine ofclaim 2 wherein at least one of said first and said second drives is aradial drive.
 4. The multi-axial variable height wind turbine of claim 2wherein said first drive rotates said tilting boom about a vertical axisand rotation of said second drive rotates said tilting boom about alateral axis.
 5. The multi-axial variable height wind turbine of claim 2wherein said first drive rotates said tilting boom about a vertical axisfor horizontal alignment of said wind turbine.
 6. The multi-axialvariable height wind turbine of claim 2 wherein said second driverotates said tilting boom about a lateral axis for vertical alignment ofsaid wind turbine.
 7. The multi-axial variable height wind turbine ofclaim 2 wherein at least one of said first and second drives is a slewradial drive.
 8. The multi-axial variable height wind turbine of claim 1wherein said multiaxial drive mechanism provides vertical and horizontalalignment of said wind turbine.
 9. The multi-axial variable height windturbine of claim 1 wherein said tilting boom is an elongated rectangularsupport configured for housing said counterweight system.
 10. Themulti-axial variable height wind turbine of claim 1 wherein said each ofsaid pitched blade members is configured for rotation about a radialaxis extending outwardly from said inner hub.
 11. The multi-axialvariable height wind turbine of claim 1 wherein said wind turbinerotates in a clockwise and counter-clockwise orientation.
 12. Themulti-axial variable height wind turbine of claim 1 wherein saidmultiaxial drive mechanism dynamically aligns said wind turbine inresponse to sensory data.
 13. A method for aligning a multi-axialvariable height wind turbine, comprising at least a wind turbine rotor,along at least two of a vertical axis, longitudinal axis and lateralaxis, the method including the following steps: connecting a multiaxialdrive mechanism to a tilting boom with said wind turbine rotorpositioned at one end; rotation of said tilting boom by said multiaxialdrive mechanism; configuring said tilting boom for elevation with acounterweight system comprising a moveable mass positioned along saidtilting boom; and positioning said tilting boom between a raised andlowered position in response to movement of said moveable massassociated with said counterweight system.
 14. The method according toclaim 13 including aligning said wind turbine rotor horizontally alongsaid vertical axis by said multiaxial drive mechanism.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 13 including aligning said wind turbine verticallyalong said lateral axis by said multiaxial drive mechanism.
 16. Themethod according to claim 13 including pitching said longitudinal axisof said wind turbine rotor.